Slip-Decorated Plate

circa 1780

The Moravian settlement in Forsyth County was home to one of the first potteries in North Carolina. The community was first established at Bethabara in 1753 and later moved to Salem. The Moravians way of life was based on a simple faith in which daily labor, includingmaking potterywas honored as a means of serving the Lord. Moravian wares were finely made, with good proportions and careful detailing. Slip-trailed decoration was common, as were molded forms with crisp, clear glazes.

Gottfried Aust was born in Silesia (now part of Poland) and learned the potters craft in Herrnhut, a Moravian settlement in Germany. In 1755, he arrived in Bethabara, North Carolina, where he became that settlements first potter. He moved his shop to Salem in 1771.

Place object was created: Salem, NC

earthenware, slip (clay)

Measurements: height: 2.5 inches width: 11.25 inches

Gift of the Mint Museum Auxiliary and Daisy Wade Bridges from the Collection of Walter and Dorothy AumanH1983.190.39